Overview

If the taxpayer brought in the return already prepared or there is no paid preparer for this return, a few items need to be completed to indicate this:

1. Select NONE Self-Prepared Return (No Paid Preparer) from the Preparer number field drop list on screen 1.

   Important  If you are e-filing this return on behalf of the taxpayer, you must still be listed as the ERO (electronic return originator) on screen 1.

2. Go to the PREP screen and mark the box Return was prepared by taxpayer. No fee was charged for preparing this return at the bottom of the screen.

3. Complete the PIN screen as the ERO and clear any remaining EF Messages to prepare the return for e-filing.

No PTIN

If a preparer does not have a valid PTIN, they generally cannot e-file returns for which they received compensation. When setting yourself up as a preparer under Setup > Preparers and Users, if you do not have a PTIN, you will get a message

"These items are needed for e-filing - PTIN Do you want to exit anyway?"

If you do not have a PTIN, click Yes on the pop-up. Be sure to review the FAQs about PTINs from the IRS to ensure that you are not required to have a PTIN.

Individuals that do not have a PTIN are able to e-file a self-prepared return or a return for which no fee was charged. In Drake Tax, follow these steps to clear this type of return for e-filing:

1. Set up a preparer under Setup > Preparers and Users with the following:

   • Name.

   • Email (if needed).

   • Self-employed check box (if needed).

   • Leave the PTIN field blank.

   • Username.

   • PIN signature (if e-filing returns with this preparer as ERO).

   • Security level.

   • Any other applicable fields.

2. Click Save.

3. On the pop-up about a PTIN being required for e-filing, click Yes.

4. Exit the Setup > Preparers and Users screen and go into the return.

5. On screen 1, choose NONE as the Preparer. Ensure that the ERO field has a valid selection other than NONE.

6. On the PREP screen, mark the box Return was prepared by taxpayer. No fee was charged for preparing this return at the bottom of the screen.

7. Complete the PIN screen as the ERO and clear any remaining red messages to prepare the return for e-filing.

See Drake Tax – Single-User and Multi-User Versions for limitations on the PREP screen when using the single-user version of Drake Tax.

Missing Documents

Some documents are omitted when a return is marked as self-prepared.

The Folder Cover Sheet is essentially a cover sheet for presentation of a preparer's work product to the client. If the taxpayer prepared his or her own return and there is no "paid" preparer, the sheet is not needed and thus does not appear in View/Print mode.

• If a folder cover sheet is desired, temporarily remove the NONE indicator from screen 1 to produce the folder cover sheet.

Form 8867 is not produced and is not required when there is no paid preparer.

e-File Charge

The software contains an item within the Pricing Setup that allows you to set a fee for e-filing a self-prepared return.

Set up the fee you will charge in Setup> Pricing > 1040 for item 0386 (EF Fee Self Prep - Electronic Filing Fee for Self-Prepared Return). Next, go to the BILL screen in the return and select Self-prepared EF return.

Your fee will now show on the Bill next time you view the return.

Bank Products

Generally, you cannot use a bank product on a self-prepared or non-paid return. Some banks provide additional information or entries on their individual bank screens.

Firm Setup

Under Setup > Firms > Settings tab, you can enter a non-paid preparer code.

Valid entries include:

• VI - VITA

• VT - VITA-T

• TE - TCE-X